390 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

"Although I expected this book to be funny, having heard that it delves deep into the quirks of New York's wealthy elite, I was not prepared for the feelings of indignation, dismay and embarrassment it evoked as well. Beneath the simple story line - a twenty something college student works as a nanny to pay the rent - lays a minefield of human dysfunction. There is the mother who can't stand to touch or be with her child for more than a few minutes, and only then if he is completely clean; the father who routinely fails to show up for preplanned family events such as trips to Aspen, Christmas parties and dinner parties; the father's mistress who tries to enlist Nanny in her secret trysts; and the father's secretary who is always covering for her boss. And that's just the immediate family. Things get even more complicated and uncomfortable as Nanny's duties are expanded to include helping the wife shop, run errands and make restaurant reservations. What saves the novel from becoming just another tawdry soap opera is the skillful development of the relationship between Nanny and her 4-year old charge Grayer, and the healthy reality checks provided by Nan's (Nannny) outspoken and eminently practical family.

Like all young children, Grayer can be a terror. He bites, he kicks, he refuses to play nicely, and at first he can't stand the sight of Nanny who has come to replace his previous and much loved caretaker, Caitlin. However, as time goes on Grayer and Nanny hammer out a relationship and a routine they both can enjoy. However, as the tension builds between Grayer's parents, becomes clear that a meltdown is inevitable. What makes it almost unbearable is Grayer's vulnerability and Nanny's inability to protect him. Be prepared for humor laced with bitterness and sorrow as The Nanny Diaries proves that in the midst of abundance it is possible to starve from lack of love."
- Naia

I was very sad reading this book. The parents' lack of love for their child really got to me. Part of me wanted the nanny to stay, so that the boy would have someone around him who really cared about him, but I understood why she had to go. I didn't find this book to be funny-just too sad.

This book is sometimes heartbreaking in its portrayal of the rich people who have children-- and then do not bother to take care of them. The narrator, Nanny, remarks that it is truly sad that the only people who care for these children are the ones who are paid to take care of them. Don't get me wrong, I loved this book-- Nanny was a great narrator, and her humor was spot-on. But at times I was also crying because the neglect of little Grayer was so sad. A great read; I recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book. Good use of humor was made to present what was really a very sad story about "how the other half lives."

I'm sure that not every wealthy family with a Nanny treats their children and employees this badly, but knowing that the authors have worked for many of them makes it seem likely that this happens quite often. One of the saddest parts of this book for me was having the feeling that four-year old Grayer, while a sweet child, albeit with problems caused by the lack of attachment from his parents, was inevitably going to end up just the same as his parents when he gets older.

I felt very sympathetic towards Nanny. She was well aware of being walked on, but felt the need to stay around to help protect little Grayer. Such a selfless act took a lot of courage and strength.

I am one of the few people who disliked the Nanny Diaries. I couldn't get past the self centered boss who used the nanny as a slave. I know that is the whole point of the book. I just wanted the nanny to go off in a big way. I am not sure who was worse, the evil boss or the spineless nanny. No amount of money is worth your dignity. The worse thing about it is that there are people like that in the world.

Funny and entertaining. I've read that it was inspired by true events. Whether it was or not, I found myself wanting to strangle some of those parents in the book. In the end though I found it to be a little sad, but enjoyable.

One thing I've found with this book: if you go into it expecting a campy, fun, silly, over-the-top read (although I have no doubt some do treat their nannies thus), you have a better experience with the book than if you think it's something to take seriously.

An insane social satire in the vein of The Devil Wears Prada, this book delves into the world of society mavins and the people they hire to be their children's pseudo-parents.

Nanny is trying to finish her degree in child development at NYU, and takes on nanny positions as a way to stay housed in her tiny studio that she shares with her over-sexed stewardess... i mean... flight attendant... roomate.

She finds new employment with the X family, which consists of Mr. X, his socialite "i'm-too-busy-with-the-Parent's-League-to-BE-a-parent" wife, and their 4 year old son, Grayer. What should have been a two nights a week job, turns into a full-time nanny position, plus the bonus of getting to be a personal assistant to Mrs. X, all for the whopping sum of 10 bucks an hour. In between jaunts with Grayer to his French lessons, piano lessons, playdates, preschool, doctor appointments, and schlepping to Saks to get the right kind of lavender water for Mr's X's trendy soirees, Nanny tries desperately to get to her classes on time and write her Senior thesis.

Add to this the discovery of finding out Mr. X is cheating on Mrs. X with a colleague... *gasp*. Suddenly, even the mistress is trying to tell Nanny what to do, and what to buy!

This story is pretty entertaining. The girls who wrote this both have actually BEEN nannies to over 30 families in NYC, and one must wonder how many of these instances that happen actually happened to them, because surely, you can't just make this sh*t up.

One thing i could have wished for... a 'real' first name for the main character. She and everyone else call her 'Nanny' through the entire book, and until i was halfway through the book, i kept wondering to myself who on god's green earth would NAME their child Nanny and how IRONIC it was that she would end up BEING a Nanny, til i realized that Nanny must be a fictional pseudonym for the character, much as the last name of "X" for the family she works for. What threw me was that all her close friends and family kept calling her 'Nan' like it really was her name...

I do recommend this for a read, if you enjoy this sort of book. I thought it was so touching how close she and Grayer became, and i could definately use some of her nanny moments in my real life sometimes.

I got this because I thought my daughter might enjoy being a nanny and it might be a book we could both read and discuss. Boy, was this an eye-opener for me! Just hadn't thought about this side of babysitting before I guess. Food for thought as a parent employer and potential employee in the nanny biz. Reality is in the eye of the beholder, I guess...

This book absolutely took me in, got me involved, and had me bawling by the end. It's got characters that are so outrageous that your mouth will drop open, a little boy who is so real you almost swear he exists, and one exhausted Nanny who you root for pretty much the whole way through, not to mention the all-too-realistic but sad ending. Truly, a wonderful book.

A clever, cutting review of a Nanny's life (or that of any "you're a member of the family and my absolute best friend until I decide I hate you and then you are banished"-type servant). I have been a slave to the rich and famous and I can tell you, every chapter of this bi-polar lifestyle rings true. Funny and truly felt.

The book made for interesting reading and there were parts that were so hilarious, you could read a line and still chuckle about it hours later. For anyone who believes child-rearing is a one-shoe-fits-all process, they ought to read about the trials and tribulations of raising children in New York. In "The Nanny Diaries", readers will meet the wealthy, whizzy-dizzy, Park Avenus mom, Mrs X. She is definitely not your ordinary everyday mom and these are by no means your typical, average nannies. While most readers will find the book highly amusing, if you live or have lived in New York, or any large major city, you are certain to have a better appreciation for the context of the book and a closer affinity to the escapades and experiences mothers, children and these unique nannies encounter. The book is highly entertaining and would make a top-notch movie or television comedy!

Great chick lit, especially for the the right-out-of-college and trying-to-make-their-way set! I definately identified with the main character in her quest to make her life more bearable while trying to balance ambitions with reality.

Most reviews of this book say that it was not such a good book. I wanted to read it anyway and I wasn't disappointed. While it isn't a page turner it is a good lazy day read and still worth the few hours you spend reading it.

It's somehow more saddening than satisfying when you finish a good book. The Nanny Diaries had been in my possession for far too long, sitting on a shelf, untouched, in a dark corner of my closet. Only after reading Mary Poppins recently, being in full "nanny mode," did I decide to give The Nanny Diaries a go. I couldn't put it down. And when I did put it down, I wished I had more time for it. I wouldn't call it "diabolically funny" as the New York Times did. It was comical, don't get me wrong. But overall, I felt for Nanny. I felt for little Grayer. And in some way I felt for the X's being so caught up in their own lives, that aren't so luxurious after, that they were too blind to see their own wonderful child nor the happiness Nanny brought to him. And though movies never come out on top of the books they portray, I plan on getting TND on DVD soon.

A quick read on what it's like to be a nanny for the wealthy. The parents want the good life, while the child just longs for the parents. In loco parentis is the nanny, acting like a parent but easily disposable. The author details one year in the life of being a nanny for one spoiled little boy.

I really enjoyed this. I always like a quick peek into the lives of the wealthy. Money doesn't buy class.

The cover of the book made me expect a light, entertaining story. And it was well written and believable, about a pair of rich, horrible parents and their little boy, and the nanny who they hired to take care of him. But as the book progressed it became a very painful experience to see how this child was emotionally abused by his parents, and the end was devastating. I can't believe all the reviews here which characterize the book as light and amusing. Did they read a different book than I did, or are they so unaware of the pain a child in that situation would suffer that they just didn't get it?

Some reviewers focused on the abuse of the nanny, and hoped she would stand up for herself. The story seemed to me to be based on actual experience, and the reviewers apparently didn't realize that many people in "service jobs" don't have the option of telling their bosses off since they are in a position where they need the work and they need recommendations to move on.

This book is fantastic. I did not think I would like it at first but from the moment I started reading it coudn't put it down. If you want the inside scoop on what goes on in the day of a nanny who works for the rich in New York then read this book. Some things in it may shock you.

i didn't think i was going to like this book at first, but as i continued to read it became more interesting. a bit sad, too, when i think that this is what happens these days. i was disappointed about the ending of the story. overall, a decent read.

I did not like this book. It was irritating that the Nanny continued to work for the employer and there wasn't a single character in the book that I liked. I felt nothing but pity for the child. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone

If you have ever been a nanny this is a must read for you! My friend nannied 2 summers ago and she would tell me some wild tales, then I read this book and it sounded exactly like her experience! A very good read!

This was one of the most "fun" books I have read in a long time. Its quick and easy reading and very entertaining. I couldnt wait to see what torments "Mrs. X" would have in store for Nanny next! You wont be sorry you read this one!

A blistering satire based on the real-life experiences of former New York City nannies McLaughlin and Kraus, this hilarious examination of the upper echelons of Manhattan society and the unlovable Park Avenue X family is flawlessly complemented by Roberts's limber, metamorphosing vocal performance. Depicted by the Academy Award winner's detached, patronizing tone, Mrs. X, a housewife, has little more to do than spend her adulterous, workaholic husband's seven-figure salary on manicures, designer clothes and floral arrangements. She delegates the care of her bratty four-year-old son, Grayer, and other small "errands" (e.g., shopping for a 50-guest dinner party) to an NYU grad student, Nan. Highlighting the disparity between the decadent, insular world of the Xs against the underpaid, disrespected one of the hired help surrounding them works especially well in audio, as Roberts acutely captures neglected Grayer's temper tantrums, piercing whines, inconsolable cries of "I want my mommy" and the hesitant tones and broken English of his playmate's caretakers. When the babysitter's "level of commitment" to the job is questioned and a developmental consultant is called in to handle the "deleterious self-esteem adjustment" her charge may have been set up for after failing to make it into a prestigious school, Roberts conveys Nan's struggle through readings alternately sarcastic, angry and falsely cheerful. This is a witty and thoroughly enjoyable production.

The best book that I have read in a while. It is about one Nanny's journey with the terrible Mrs. X, her absent aldulter of a husband, their child, and all the weird things that are requested of nanny. It was just a fun read...

The authors skewer Park Avenue society, absent fathers, touch-me-not mothers, and the plight of the working nanny with deftness and humor. But there's a strain of sadness there for the over-scheduled, under-loved children of the wealthy, reared by a revolving-door series of hired hands and never sure who will still be there in the morning.

It was hard to like this book. The nanny had no backbone whatsoever. Someone should only take so much until enough is enough. I didn't like how the nanny was named Nanny either. Her employers are Mr. and Mrs. X. Very weird. I feel so sorry for Grayer, the boy that she is paid to take care of. All that little boy wants is a real family who loves him. It has it's good parts though. I laughed out loud at a few sentences.

I've heard the movie was terrible, and I've never seen it. I found the book in a used bookstore and read it in just two weeks, and I really enjoyed it. My take on it may be a little different than the other descriptions I've read. The book clearly set up who was the "good guy" ... the Nanny. Who was the "bad guy" ... any of the rich people at any given time. Who were the "buddies" ... any of the other nannies, students, employees. Who was the "victim" ... the children of the rich families. The book had no real heroes, because nothing really changed, except perhaps the main character had a very interesting learning experience. It's a cute story, about a different world than many of us will ever have any comprehension, and that probably none of us will experience. Reading about all the bizarre situations, demands, attitudes, and motivations of people we will never know is very interesting. Plus, many of the stories are cute and funny, even though you can't ignore the sadness and emotion of the consequences of their actions. Overall, I'm glad I read the book, and I enjoyed it.

I loved this book. It was a great look at how people can be so self absorbed that they forget how their actions may impact the others around them. Specifically, those that they are suppose to love unconditionally...like a child.

âA deep look into the secret world of the wealthy (from the âhelpsâ point of view).â

I enjoyed this book, and hated it at the same time. Sometimes I wanted to pull Mrs. X out of the book and shake her until she realized what she was doing. Very easy read, I was pulled in the second I picked it up.

I really fell in love and felt great compassion for the characters Nanny and Grayer. This book I simply could not put down, and reminded me a bit of the Devil Wears Prada from the difference of working class in high society. This novel will leave you with a deep impression of what a nanny [practical surrogate mother] must endure to keep the family happy, even if it is to hold the tongue and suffer such pangs of emotional and physical blows. The journey of Nanny and her charge left me with laughs, awe, disgust, and tears. Can't wait to pass it on!

Nanny is going to NYU to get her degree in child care, but first she must deal with the X's.

The X's are a typical rich New York family: Dad is a workaholic; Mom doesn't have a job but is too busy shopping and running her social life to raise her child; Grayer (nicknamed Grover/Grov) is the four-year-old who wants nothing more than his parents' attention.

Nanny becomes very attached to Grayer, who is absolutely adorable and really likes Nanny because she is the one raising him. Nanny and Grayer go on many adventures together and Nanny must deal with the crazy Mrs. X, who doesn't come home when she says she will, doesn't pay within a normal time frame, and is just downright mean to Nanny -- and to her own child.

This is a great story of love and affection, and also the lack of it. I really liked reading this book because Nanny has a life outside of her job, like falling in love with H.H.-Harvard Hottie. Nanny and Grayer are realistic and the parents are the crazy people in the book, which makes this a great view for teens.

I had a lot of fun reading THE NANNY DIARIES, and will recommend it to all of my friends who have ever babysat for crazy parents!

I really wanted to like this book. I probably would have if Nanny, the main character didn't play the victim in almost every situation. Nanny really needs to get a backbone. I thought she would finally get one by the end. But, it didn't happen. For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would put up with being treated in such a demeaning manner. Maybe if she had told the X's off and then called Child Protective Services to report their neglect of their son, I would have given the book a more favorable review.

An absolute addictive peek into the utterly weird world of child rearing in the upper reaches of Manhattan's social strata... What makes the book so impossible to put down is the suspense of finding out what the unbelievably inconsiderate Mrs. X will demand of Nanny next.

- I didnt think this was going to be a very good book. Boy was I surprised! I loved this! Its the story of Nanny who gets a job working for a rich couple in Manhatten with a 4 year old son, Grayer. In a nutshell, the parents are terrible, Mr. X is having an affair and he is a total jerk. Mrs. X is a self-centered witch who has no clue how to raise a child or run a household for that matter. Nanny gets treated like dirt. But in the mist of all this is a little boy. A little boy who Nanny grows to love. And when you peal back all the drama, you are left with someone who is starved for affection from his parents. Thankfully, he gets it from Nanny. But he knows, it is temporary. She will leave like they all do. The writing is funny. Hilariously funny in some parts. Very enjoyable read. Well Done!

Nanny is going to NYU to get her degree in child care, but first she must deal with the X's.

The X's are a typical rich New York family: Dad is a workaholic; Mom doesn't have a job but is too busy shopping and running her social life to raise her child; Grayer (nicknamed Grover/Grov) is the four-year-old who wants nothing more than his parents' attention.

Nanny becomes very attached to Grayer, who is absolutely adorable and really likes Nanny because she is the one raising him. Nanny and Grayer go on many adventures together and Nanny must deal with the crazy Mrs. X, who doesn't come home when she says she will, doesn't pay within a normal time frame, and is just downright mean to Nanny -- and to her own child.

This is a great story of love and affection, and also the lack of it. I really liked reading this book because Nanny has a life outside of her job, like falling in love with H.H.-Harvard Hottie. Nanny and Grayer are realistic and the parents are the crazy people in the book, which makes this a great view for teens.

I had a lot of fun reading THE NANNY DIARIES, and will recommend it to all of my friends who have ever babysat for crazy parents!

Nanny is a student at NYU trying to earn the rent as a nannie to the children of the wealthy. Mommy is VERY busy - though no one is sure with what- and Daddy is simply never there. Glamor is not all it seems and you can only sympathize with Nanny who tries to do what she can. Funny and sad too.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Although I would of loved more of an ending. It really rang true on some things since I just recently watched my 5 and 7 year old siblings for 4 weeks 13 hour days with little pay. You enjoy the kids, but become very angry at your employer after such an experience. I would recommend this book to anyone with experience in watching kids.

I loved this book... Found myself wanting to slap the mother numerous times, as well as the father. To think people don't have any clue to what their children need, they have to be clueless to reality too.

Nanny is going to NYU to get her degree in child care, but first she must deal with the X's.

The X's are a typical rich New York family: Dad is a workaholic; Mom doesn't have a job but is too busy shopping and running her social life to raise her child; Grayer (nicknamed Grover/Grov) is the four-year-old who wants nothing more than his parents' attention.

Nanny becomes very attached to Grayer, who is absolutely adorable and really likes Nanny because she is the one raising him. Nanny and Grayer go on many adventures together and Nanny must deal with the crazy Mrs. X, who doesn't come home when she says she will, doesn't pay within a normal time frame, and is just downright mean to Nanny -- and to her own child.

This is a great story of love and affection, and also the lack of it. I really liked reading this book because Nanny has a life outside of her job, like falling in love with H.H.-Harvard Hottie. Nanny and Grayer are realistic and the parents are the crazy people in the book, which makes this a great view for teens.

I had a lot of fun reading THE NANNY DIARIES, and will recommend it to all of my friends who have ever babysat for crazy parents!

This book was a page turner. I can't believe the abuse this nanny put up with. It was a good, fast read and funny at parts. A few complaints, the main characters are called generic names such as "Nanny" and "Mrs, X". Which was odd. I was expecting more of a big revenge ending. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

A fun little peek at a world unknown to most of us. Between the excessive money and strange behavior, this book has it's ups and downs. In the end, it shows a great love and respect for children and the people who raise them (be they the parents or the nanny).

I gave the book three stars because the writer is witty and fresh and tells a great story. But the behavior of her employer, not towards the nanny-author, but towards her own child, was so sickening to me that I stopped reading the book early. I paraphrase what someone said, "The rich are different from you and me. They have more money." After I read this book, I questioned whether "more money" is all that's "different." I wondered about the effects of extreme wealth on character, and about its link to the erosion of something as instinctive and fundamental, if not biological, as the maternal drive.

If you're not in the mood to think too much this is a good book. I bought it for an overnight flight from Phoenix to Boston and I finished it right about the time my boyfriend picked me up from the airport. It's cute, I'm sure it'll be a great date movie...if your date isn't kid shy.

Ms McLaughlin and Kraus have joined forces to write a fictionalized account of their experiences working as nannies to wealthy families in New York.

In this story, it is specifically nannies for families in which only the father works at a paying job. The wife does non-paying, but very important charity work and social events with other women like herself. Neither parent is actually interested in actually being a parent. They have a child and pay others to take care of the raising of the child.

The story is interesting and well told, but so much is so very unbelievable, Im not sure that Im willing to apply the trust is stranger than fiction mantra. I did enjoy reading it, but it really feels like both authors pulled only the most extreme eccentricities of working for these women and it would appear it is the wives that they work for, the fathers are pretty much relegated to being money machines.

One disappointment is their ability to give the family and other characters in the story actual names the main characters name is always Nanny. Even her boyfriend calls her Nanny. I assume they were attempt a writing ploy to show how truly non-entity she was when working as the nanny but, based on conversations with her family and friends, they do not see her as a non-entity.

I was also frustrated that the main character only wanted to work about 10 hours per week for this family, but was obviously doing more like 30 and would never just say no. As if there are no other jobs in New York than this one position that would give her the hours that she needed to make the money that she needed. Nanny does need the income, but she is obviously able to find way more hours than she was hired to work to accommodate this family that I think she would have been better served working a consistent 20 hours per week at the worst Wal-Mart store in the country. It was very frustrating to me that she wouldnt just quit.

But, I understood why she didnt want to quit shed developed an attachment to the child and recognized that he was desperate for attention. So desperate that he wore his fathers business card attached to his clothing at all times. It was obvious she thought that if she was not there, this poor little boy would suffer immensely.

This book was very interesting and I want to see the movie...but I wouldn't put it at the very top of my favorites list.

First off, the names were messed up. I realize that the authors were trying to keep the situations they wrote about anonymous, but it got annoying reading about the nanny whose name was "Nanny" and the family that was called the "Xs." Couldn't they have at least said the Joneses or something equally nondescript. Even the Does would have been better. It just kept me from relating to the characters in any meaningful form and that bugged me.

All and all this was a fun book and I'm sure Scarlett JoHansen will do an amazing job as the lead. A fun and quick beach read.

Well, the three years it took to get to this one was a bit excessive (sorry!), but I *finally* got around to reading this one! I'm glad that I did read it before releasing it though. It was a pleasant read, if a bit hard to stomach the actions of Mr and Mrs X! Having not really encountered this world at all, is this for real? I mean, I know there are people out of touch with their kids, but is it really this extreme? Are there people who actually occupy a world so vain and selfish as Mr and Mrs X do? Hideous, really. It does make me think of a certain famous "mom" who took off for Paris fashion week with a famous friend while her new baby was a tiny infant... I an only assume that a nanny took over completely during that time (probably not much of a change from normal day to day for them anyway!). Having an 8 month old myself, I couldn't imagine turning over his full-time care to someone else (though I do appreciate a long shower or hour with a friend here and there)!

This is one delightful book! It's so good (and not too thick) that you'll probably finish it in one evening. Plus it's hard to put down. I love the contemporary urban setting and the witty humor ... and if you like listening to audio book CDs, the one read by Julia Roberts is fabulous!

I really enjoyed this book and it did compel me to read it. It was hard to get into at first because you just hate the mother and hate to think people like that really exist. Nonetheless, It did draw me in and I wanted to read it. 4 stars for me.

I know it's supposed to be funny. But I actually found it stressful reading this book. Only, although not as a nanny, I've worked for people that are this kind of self centered. The are utterly clueless about everything except their own personal desires. It's a good read, I'm curious about the movie. I never saw it.

I loved this book! It made for great summer reading. Definitely for girls, like children or not. I work at a daycare and so I especially enjoyed seeing the parallels between Nanny's experiences and my own. Skip the movie--but definitely read this book.

This book brings to light all the absurdities and quirks of the Manhattan nanny system to light. From one side you have the nanny getting treated badly in every manner possible by the kid as well as the mother. On the other side you have the mother who herself is trying to cope with a rather unforgiving world.

The author(s) portray a gripping story that is surely a page turner. The wild ride ends in a twist that is the ultimate revenge of the Nanny. Must read.

I read this one after seeing the movie, and I think it's one of few cases where the movie was better. It wasn't a bad book, per se...just more depressing and with more loose ends than the movie left. It's not one I'd read again.

This story broke my heart. As someone who has served her time in the trenches as a babysitter for many years growing up I am very glad I never had to face anything like this. Good story but sad ending.

This was a great audio book! Julia Roberts narrates and does a fantastic job! She is SOOOO good at doing Greyor's (the little boy's) voice! I listened to this book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. I was doing housework, shopping and some driving around town and it was perfect. I would definetly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys chick lit!
This book gives a great look at what it takes to be a nanny in New York City!

I wasn't sure that I would like this, but it was very sweet and kind of sad. I saw the movie, and the book is much better in my opinion. I really liked Julia Roberts as the narrator. She wasn't annoying to listen to at all.

I enjoyed this audio more than I anticipated. I started to read the book but couldn't get into it and put it down. Then I found the audio and thought I'd give it a try. I gave up on the book too soon! I can't say that I was thrilled about Julia Roberts as the reader, but I did like the humoruous and sometimes poignant story of a young woman who takes a nanny position to an overprivileged, selfish, upper-class couple. It reminded me of the book "The Devil Wears Prada" with the subject being childcare instead of fashion.

I didn't enjoy this book much, I thought I would because several people I know have enjoyed it and recommended it to me. I felt really horrible for the poor kid in the story, and had lots of trouble finding anything humorous about it.

This book was a good, quick read, but I did not find it funny at all. I felt so bad for that poor little boy. I just wanted to strangle the mother and father, and when Nanny left it was heartbreaking. I worked in a day care and maybe that's why it wasn't funny-I have seen some parents who really are that way. And the saddest thing of all is that the kids are the ones who suffer from it all.

We are introduced to Nanny, a twentysomething grad student, who works for the X family, taking care of their young son Grayer. The book follows Nanny as she learns to love Grayer and sort of despise his parents, all the while going out of her way to please them. It's a quick read with its funny moments and poignant stories, but ultimately, it is what it claims to be: a nanny position as viewed through the eyes of the Nanny.

It was good--I'd recommend it if you're looking for a diversion, but don't be surprised if you end up with a bittersweet taste in your mouth--it's as much tragedy as it is comedy.

I really enjoyed this book. It was heartbreaking because of all the things nanny saw going on, but she couldn't do anything about them. It really made me realise how good I had it as a child having parents that looked after me. Many people wish that they were rich, but this book shows that the grass is not always greener on the other side... especially for the children.

Great read. I could not put this book down. You wonder how much a person is willing to take for a job and you know it not the job but the love of the child that makes Nanny stay. Just heartbreaking at some points, others make you just laugh until your hurt.

One of the BEST books I have ever read! I couldn't put it down. Finished it in less than 48 hours. I read it while cooking dinner, I was so unable to stop! I borrowed it out to my friend and she said the same thing, unable to put it down!

Could not put down. Was at times funny but mainly sad and found myself wanting more from the nanny, wanting her to take a stand and was at first dissapointed when that did not happen in the end yet understandable when the child is lost.

I loved this book. It is situated in a ritzy part of New York City and is written in the first person by Nanny. Her name is Nanny and her job is Nanny, and all she wants to do is be a nanny, but she ends up being a personal servant in a rich and very shallow household. Fascinating!

Really enjoyable, though occasionally appalling, read. If you have children you'll find yourself scratching your head at the parents and find yourself wishing fervently that they could be smacked 'upside' the head with a healthy dose of realty. Not a happy ever after kind of book but definitely keeps you interested, involved and wishing for a sequel.

I read this book in one day! The last book I read in one day was in High School and I had to because I procrastinated. I was a nanny when i was 15 to a ritzy couple in the Boston Area, I have the same experiences of feeling like a second class citizen or an indentured servant. Great read- you will laugh, you will cry, you will shout "NO WAY". I might even read this book again.

Written by 2 former nannies, this is a funny look that skewers the manner in which America's overprivileged raise their overprivileged offspring with the help of nannies. Follow our NYU student/nanny as she takes a position caring for the only son of a wealthy Manhattan family. There are a lot of laughs and satire in this story of modern-day servitude.

Very entertaining & heart breaking book.. I found it hard to stomach that one person could let herself be dumped upon like that - although she did love little Grayer selflessly.. I was routing for to tell the "boss" off & she never did.. My heart broke for the little 4 year old that got stuck with those awful parents.. the selfishness of the parents was just too much to handle at times..

OH MY GOSH!!!! I was so anxious to read this since I spent about 4 years as a nanny. Thankfully, none of my families fit this extreme family, but I could relate on some levels. It kept my attention and I couldn't put it down. What a look into the lives of a select few in our world. She could sure put up with a lot more than I could. I enjoyed it very much.

I agree with the last review. I was over the abnoxious boss in the beginning of the book and was hoping the nanny would do something to remedy the situation. I was estremely annoyed with the ending when she let the boss-lady get her way anyway. Reminded me a lot about the Devil Wears Prada, which was a much better read.

I also didn't like this book. I tried really hard to get into it, but it just felt unreal. I cannot see someone sticking around for that kind of abuse from an employer. Especially when she saw how the previous nanny was treated.

Nanny is going to NYU to get her degree in child care, but first she must deal with the X's.

The X's are a typical rich New York family: Dad is a workaholic; Mom doesn't have a job but is too busy shopping and running her social life to raise her child; Grayer (nicknamed Grover/Grov) is the four-year-old who wants nothing more than his parents' attention.

Nanny becomes very attached to Grayer, who is absolutely adorable and really likes Nanny because she is the one raising him. Nanny and Grayer go on many adventures together and Nanny must deal with the crazy Mrs. X, who doesn't come home when she says she will, doesn't pay within a normal time frame, and is just downright mean to Nanny -- and to her own child.

This is a great story of love and affection, and also the lack of it. I really liked reading this book because Nanny has a life outside of her job, like falling in love with H.H.-Harvard Hottie. Nanny and Grayer are realistic and the parents are the crazy people in the book, which makes this a great view for teens.

I had a lot of fun reading THE NANNY DIARIES, and will recommend it to all of my friends who have ever babysat for crazy parents!

Poor Nan spends her time working for a horrible woman with horrible expectations for her 4-year-old son. Throw beginning and ending love into the equation and you've got a pretty good book. The Nanny Diaries will make you go "Really?! Do the really think that?" many times, and will throw in a few laughs too. Definitely a good read for a boring day. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who wanted Nan to give Mrs.X a good yelling at, but oh well.

Funny, heartwarming, and at times, heartbreaking. Makes you want to hug your small child tighter and tighter. Also makes you wonder how some people can truly feel others are WAY beneath them. I thought this book was great.

This book would have been much funnier if I were not a nanny and had never worked as a baby-sitter for families whose children don't see their parents for days at a time. The child I care for now has loving parents, or I would not have taken the job; but two children I cared for have a father who alternated between saying to me, "I'd like you to use half that amount of reduced-fat butter in the macaroni-and-cheese so D. (who was three at the time) doesn't get heart disease" and lifting his other child up off the bed with one hand, leaving a hand-shaped bruise on his arm. Some parents should never, ever have had children, and that's not funny at all.

A hysterical novel that reveals the parenting skills (and lack thereof) in the upper class. I'm guessing that the "novel" is thinly veiled truth, as the author and protagonist were both nannies in college. Don't miss it; this is lots of fun.

Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife who doesn't work, cook, clean or raise her own child has a smooth day.

This satire is based on the real-life experiences of two former nannies. It is a very interesting look into the "utterly weird world of child rearing in the upper reaches of Manhattan's social strata."

This book was an okay read for me. I had tears in my eyes several times just seeing how this poor child was being treated by his parents in their high society ways! However, it also made me appreciate my own children more and vow to love them and cherish them every day.

A very funny piece concerning the concept of "Nannying" ----performing the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude. As a former Nanny, This story really "hit the nail on the head"!!

This wasn't a bad story persae, but there wasn't anything extraordinary about it. I did not like the ending. I did however really care about the characters. Some I adored and others I absolutely loathed. Maybe that is why the ending was such a huge dissapointment.

Perfect summer reading! If you liked "Devil Wears Prada", (e.g. a book that makes you feel better about your own job while giving you a glimpse of the fabulous life in NYC), you'll like Nanny Diaries!!!

An NYU undergrad takes a position as a nanny for a wealthy family. However, she ends up becoming much more than a nanny as the marriage of her employers starts to fall apart. I found this book hilarious, yet surprisingly bittersweet. Anyone who has ever been a nanny, a babysitter, teacher, day care worker, or parent can really relate to this one!

Decently engaging story of a nanny serving a very wealthy (and dysfunctional) NYC family. I got a bit tired of how the main character allowed herself to be controlled by her employers. However, perhaps that is to be expected given the character's age (early 20s). The portrait of the emotionally neglected 4-yr-old is well done.

I LOVED this book! Narrators are superb and the story moves along at quite a clip. I spent some time working as a personal assistant for a woman very much like "Mrs. X" (rich and privileged) so it was fun for me to hear somewhat familiar tales about how the 'other half' lives. It's a subtle reminder, too, that all the money in the world doesn't buy happiness. I'd say Nanny is far more content and more well adjusted than Mr. and Mrs. X!

I had high hopes for this book. I thought I would get an insiders peek of what really goes on behind the scenes as a nanny.
**Spoiler ** Instead I felt like Nanny was allowing infidelity to occur.
We all know nanny's love the kids more than their parents and will be asked to do things outside their "job descriptions" but this book was nothing special. The ending felt rushed. On a positive note, it was narrated by Julia Roberts and I could listen to her voice all day.

This was a great book. I did find myself getting really upset with the main character at times though because she was such a wuss...but you can't help sympathize. The woman she works for is a total psycho and by the end of the book...if you're anything like me, you'll want to kill her.

A little historical background: For those American-raised, I think we are all familiar with the popular cartoon Scooby Doo. The plot structure goes something like this: (1) Crazy antics and shenanigans abound. (2) Scooby-Doo and The Gang unmask the villain. (3) As he gets taken away by the authorities, the villain shakes his fist at the Gang and mumbles "Those darn kids!".
I didn't realize this until (much, much) later in life, but this basic plot structure repeats in every single episode of Scooby Doo. Every. Single. One.
Fast forward to The Nanny Diaries. I am about midpoint in the book when I realize the following keeps repeating: (1) Nanny is placed in awkward situations by the various people she has chosen to be in her life. (2) Nanny allows said people to take complete advantage of her. (3) Nanny goes home and ceaselessly complains to family and friends about her woeful situation.
This happens in every single chapter. Every. Single. One.
As a child, I loved Scooby Doo. There's something subconsciously comforting about the predictability of it all. But what might have worked for Scooby Doo, doesn't work for The Nanny Diaries. By the 8th iteration of the same theme, it got old, very very old. Because of these limitations, The Nanny Diaries quickly became a frustrating reading experience.
Plot weaknesses aside (and that's a VERY large aside), The Nanny Diaries does have its merits. McLaughlin and Kraus offer a peek (however shallow) at the exclusive world of Upper East Side Manhattanites. One gets a voyeuristic kick from this airing of dirty laundry of a population who go to great lengths to avoid having their dirty laundry aired. Also, as I am currently writing this review roughly 30 blocks south of Mrs. X's fictional apartment, I can attest to the authenticity of the authors' depiction of place and time. It is obvious, these two are insiders, they speak from experience.
I'm sure that this book will remain a must-read for care-givers and nannies, but for the rest of the population, you have been warned. I wouldn't discourage anyone intent on reading the book (I don't regret it)... but don't be surprised if you find yourself pining for the simpler days of Scooby Doo.

WANTED: One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy. Must be cheerful, enthusiastic, and selflessbordering on masochistic. Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived preschooler. Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family. Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay. Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employers Hermes bag. Those who take it personally need not apply.

Who wouldnt want this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife, who doesnt work, cook, clean, or raise her own child, has a smooth day.
When the Xs marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity, and, most important, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

My favorite book by far. This book is full of humor yet a sadness that is peeled back by layers for poor little Grover. Nanny as a narrator is so funny and insightfull but still remains on a level of realisim and light hardeness.

Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife, who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child, has a smooth day.
When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity,and, most important, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

I was curious, so I read it. I dont understand how someone (the nanny) so unhappy with her circumstances, can continue to allow herself to be treated so badly. True, the mother in the story was a horrible excuse for a mother...(egg donor!) but the author seemed to me to just be a whiner. If you hate it that much, get out! I felt GREAT sympathy for the child! Sad that some who are so priveledged...can be so neglectful to their own children.

Who wouldn't want this job? Struggling to graduate for NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of jubbling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife, who doesn't owrk, cook, clean or raise her own child has a smooth day.
When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity, and, most important, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

When a young woman, going to NYU, takes a job as nanny. This is all about her 16-hour days caring for the son of wealthy New Yorkers. It became almost impossible mission to maintain the mental health of the 4-year old son, her own integrity and most of all her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny preform the age old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern day servitude.

From publisher, "Who wouldn't want this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment. Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife, who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child, has a smooth day.
When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity, and most important, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nancy perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude."

This was interesting book. I am hoping that the movie is just as good, if not better. It makes me wonder if there are Nannies working with families like the one in the book. It is a good book to read for fun.

This is a great book turned movie. The movie comes out this Spring starring Scarlett Johansson!

A blistering satire based on the real-life experiences of former New York City nannies McLaughlin and Kraus, this hilarious examination of the upper echelons of Manhattan society and the unlovable Park Avenue X family is flawlessly complemented by Roberts's limber, metamorphosing vocal performance. Depicted by the Academy Award winner's detached, patronizing tone, Mrs. X, a housewife, has little more to do than spend her adulterous, workaholic husband's seven-figure salary on manicures, designer clothes and floral arrangements. She delegates the care of her bratty four-year-old son, Grayer, and other small "errands" (e.g., shopping for a 50-guest dinner party) to an NYU grad student, Nan. Highlighting the disparity between the decadent, insular world of the Xs against the underpaid, disrespected one of the hired help surrounding them works especially well in audio, as Roberts acutely captures neglected Grayer's temper tantrums, piercing whines, inconsolable cries of "I want my mommy" and the hesitant tones and broken English of his playmate's caretakers. When the babysitter's "level of commitment" to the job is questioned and a developmental consultant is called in to handle the "deleterious self-esteem adjustment" her charge may have been set up for after failing to make it into a prestigious school, Roberts conveys Nan's struggle through readings alternately sarcastic, angry and falsely cheerful. This is a witty and thoroughly enjoyable production.

Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife, who doesn't work, cook, clea, or raise her own child, has a smooth day. When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tneure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity, and most important, her sense of humor. Over nine tense month, Mrs.X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

WANTED:
One young woman to take care of a four-year-old boy.
Must be bordering on masochistic. Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a nap-deprived preschooler. Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family. Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employer's Hermes bag. Those who take it personally need not apply.

Who wouldn't want this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a ParAvenue wife, who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child, has a smooth day.
When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity, and, most important, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.